Caroline Hutchinson

Nihon University College of Economics

About

Caroline is an Associate Professor at Nihon University College of Economics, Tokyo, Japan. She has previously taught in the UK, Hungary and Vietnam. Her research interests include learner autonomy, English-Medium Instruction/ CLIL, history and culture in the classroom.

Sessions

Synchronous (Onsite) Cross-Cultural Awareness at Home: Activities for the Language Classroom more

Sat, Apr 29, 13:00-13:50 Asia/Seoul

The ability to interact across cultures is valued by modern education systems and employers. Intercultural competence necessitates acquiring knowledge about both unfamiliar cultures and values, and one’s own. It implies an attitude of openness to difference, and the ability to recognize stereotypes. As language is inseparable from culture, teachers have both a responsibility and an opportunity to train students’ intercultural competence. However, COVID-19 and its aftershocks continue to disrupt our ability to travel and experience genuine interaction across cultures. Further, many argue that the representation of culture in ELT textbooks and classrooms is inadequate. This workshop will introduce frameworks and activities that teachers can use to sensitize students to cultural difference, help students to understand their own values, and connect those values to cultural behavior. It will also suggest ways in which online tools can be used to encourage collaboration beyond the classroom.

Caroline Hutchinson